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Branstad’s ‘Healthy Requirements’

To the Editor:

It is good news that the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan has been approved by the federal government so that those below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will not be kicked off Medicaid if they fail to meet Gov. Branstad’s ‘healthy requirements’.

However, it is possible for those making $11,490-$15,850 (101-138 percent above the FPL). They are part of the Medicaid Expansion that the Federal Government is paying 100 percent of their Marketplace premiums for the first 3 years with Iowa paying up to 10 percent thereafter. If recipients fail to meet the involuntary ‘healthy requirements’, they will have to pay premiums to Iowa. If they miss a payment, they will be kicked off Medicaid Expansion.

So what are the exact ‘healthy requirements’ for those on Medicaid Expansion, who is implementing the requirements, how is it being tracked, how is it being enforced, and how is this regulatory department being funded? Will this department strain the HIPPA Privacy Rule since it is involuntary?